A JAPANESE NAMBAN LACQUER CASKET

MOMOYAMA 1573-1615

The domed hinged lid and body decorated with panels containing mother of pearl flowerheads and gold and silver hiramaki-e leaves on a black lacquer ground, the borders with bands of geometric designs, with copper fittings engraved with stylised flowers and leaves, the inside lined with green velvet, 15.7cm x 13.4cm x 22.4cm.

Provenance: the collection of Lady Ottoline Morrell and thence by descent.

Cf. O Impey & C Jörg, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580-1850, p.107 no.179 for a related chest with similar decoration and fittings. Also Christie's London, 11th May 2015, lot 1 and Harvard Art Museum, accession no.1996.242.10, for two other comparable namban coffers.